The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 “Given the current crisis atmosphere in the country, people’s lives are challenged in every sphere. With daily activities at risk of disruption, State and private services face difficulties; the economy is again under strain and ordinary functions are in danger amid the global situation.

¶ 03 That such a crisis during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period directly impacts this principal cultural festival.

¶ 04 That key economic drivers—tourism, export markets, and foreign remittances—are all being adversely affected, heightening macroeconomic risk.

¶ 05 Therefore, the Government has a paramount responsibility to maintain normal life without plunging people into an economic crisis. The Government should immediately present to Parliament a roadmap of measures to achieve this.”

¶ 06 The entire world now faces economic pressure due to the war, even affecting Ramadan. We in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya have consistently opposed this destructive war that only brings ruin. While in Opposition, you diagnosed problems and preached solutions; in Government, you failed to act in time.

¶ 07 On February 26, Gulf fleets mobilized. Everyone knows a Middle East war means an oil crisis. Why did you delay management? Now, you are scrambling to implement a QR, work-from-home, and Wednesday holidays only after the crisis erupted. Earlier, you believed leaders who said the war would end in four days. That is why our Government delayed responding even when an Iranian ship hovered near our waters; 104 lives were lost while you vacillated.

¶ 08 Today, old-priced stocks are being sold at higher prices—Petrol up Rs. 24 per litre, diesel Rs. 22, kerosene Rs. 13—extracting about Rs. 7.1 billion in extra profit during a crisis. You came pledging to remove VAT on essentials, health, and school items, but now you levy more on fuel in this hardship.

¶ 09 Provide an app to locate fuel-available stations—more useful now than a promised “fish-finding” app. Also, sell old-priced stocks at old prices; do not profiteer.

¶ 10 India, far larger than us with vastly more vehicles, has avoided fuel queues through better management—why can’t we? At the President’s Iftar yesterday, neither Arab envoys nor the Iranian Ambassador attended—evidence that your “double game” foreign policy pleases no one.

¶ 11 Power cuts are now hinted for July–August, not because of the war but due to the coal procurement “shoddy deals” causing over Rs. 8,400 million in losses. Do not blame the war later.

¶ 12 On the coal case: the Minister facing suit was appointed to head the Procurement Committee—where prices are decided—during the President’s own Cabinet tenure. Now the President says only future wrongdoers will be removed; past wrongs get a pass. That is unacceptable. The Minister should step down until investigations conclude; accountability must run from top to bottom.

¶ 13 You also claim the Treasury is flush. Then give immediate relief at the pump to those queuing for petrol, diesel, and kerosene. I conclude urging such relief.

¶ 14 Thank you.